The Secaucus Home News, a weekly newspaper that launched in 1910, published its final issue this week, a former reporter has confirmed.

“It is done,” said Louise Ritteberg, who reported for the paper from 1980 to 2001. “One hundred and seven years.”

The news comes as newsrooms across the country are shutting down. The publication was owned by longtime Secaucus resident Gretchen Henckel. Her family was one of the town’s founding members.

“Unreal, but true,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli, of the unexpected closure.

Three people arrested for allegedly creating fake credit cards in Secaucus hotel

Local police arrested three suspects for allegedly running a credit card/identity theft scheme at a Secaucus hotel, per a department press release.

On Nov. 24, officers received a report regarding possible illegal activity at the Harmon Meadows Holiday Inn. The responding officers began to investigate the alleged scheme after arriving.

Officers identified three occupants of the room where they say the scheme occurred, and arrested them.

Suspects Christine Antonelli, 33, from Massapequa; Jeramiah Wills, 49, from Jersey City; and Emil Panzarino, 42, of Brooklyn, were allegedly found with stacks of gift cards, fraudulent credit cards, and fraudulent driver’s licenses with their pictures on them.

In addition, Panzarino was found to have active warrants from Jersey City and West New York. Antonelli was found to have an active Jersey City warrant as well. Both Antonelli and Wills were allegedly found with stolen pieces of mail as well.

Police checking their hotel room also seized other items, allegedly to be used in the alleged scheme.

Antonelli, Panzarino, and Wills were charged with possession of forgery devices, possession of a false government document, possession of a device or materials to make false government documents, credit card theft, receiving a lost or mislaid credit card, falsely embossing a credit card, falsely signing two or more credit cards, possession of incomplete credit cards, possessing 20 or more personal identifying information of another, and conspiracy to possess a device or materials to make false government documents.

Antonelli was additionally charged with forgery and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspects were taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

West New York man arrested following alleged vehicle pursuit through Secaucus, North Bergen

The Secaucus Police Department has charged a suspect after he allegedly stole a vehicle, leading officers on a chase through Secaucus and North Bergen, according to a press release.

On Nov. 19, a Secaucus officer noticed a “suspicious” vehicle near Cedar Lane and Paterson Plank Road, the release said. After running its registration, the officer found it listed as stolen from a West New York residence earlier that day.

Officer Vince DeFazio continued following the vehicle, a 2016 Nissan Murano. DeFazio tried to pull over the stolen vehicle. However, the driver allegedly began driving recklessly, the report says. The stolen vehicle reportedly began driving the wrong way down one way streets, and drove along sidewalks.

Officers began a vehicular pursuit after determining the driver was an immediate threat to public safety.

The chase continued into North Bergen. There, after sustaining additional damages, the vehicle allegedly struck the driver side door of a Secaucus police vehicle just before the officer exited. The suspect was then taken into custody.

A 27-year-old West New York man was charged with burglary, receiving stolen property, and two counts of aggravated assault. He also received numerous motor vehicle violations. He was taken to the Hudson County Jail.

Secaucus Police Chief Kevin Flaherty thanked the North Bergen Police Department, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with the pursuit, in the release

NJ State Health Planning Board approves Meadowlands Hospital sale

The New Jersey State Health Planning Board recently approved the $12.2 million Meadowlands Hospital sale to developer Yan Moshe, who owns two surgery centers in New Jersey. The sale would transfer ownership from MHA, LLC to NJMHMC, owned by Moshe.

“Department staff reviewed the Applicant’s Certificate of Need application and determined that the Applicant’s rationale to transfer the ownership of MHMC is a realistic assessment of the Secaucus service area and the health care services environment for Hudson County,” the board wrote in its decision.

The board added that Moshe “is committed to operate MHMC at the same bed and service capacity levels while maintaining all of the hospital’s current employees and the same contract agreements that are currently in place. The proposed transfer appears to be a feasible option for ensuring that MHMC continues to provide health care services to the community and to maintain its financial viability.”

As part of the agreement, Moshe will invest in programs designed to better public health, community health services, and health and wellness. The board will also require a written financial sustainability plan within twelve months of licensing.

Once annually for five years from the date he receives a license, Moshe also must report his progress on implementing his initiatives.

These include negotiations with health insurers on new contracts to get better access for patents, efforts to fill service gaps with new physicians, and efforts to work with local community leaders, and surrounding hospitals to identify health care needs.

The state Department of Health’s commissioner now has up to 120 days to make a final decision on the sale.

Local resident receives Susan G. Komen award

Sharon Daughtry-Simon of Secaucus was the recipient of the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Volunteer of the Year Award, the Affiliate’s most prestigious award, on Nov. 19 at the Volunteer Recognition Tea at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer whose continued passion and long-standing commitment have had a significant impact on the Komen mission. Daughtry-Simon, who is a 10-year breast cancer survivor, has been involved as a volunteer with Komen North Jersey for many years and currently serves as Chairperson for both the Affiliate’s Grant Committee and the Survivor Program Committee.

The Volunteer Recognition event, which is given as a “thank you” for all those who volunteered for the organization during the previous year, also honored ten outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions and extraordinary dedication to the mission of the Affiliate.

The program will include presentations by medical experts about how to better manage congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A free, healthy lunch will be included.

Register at holly.goroff@carepointhealth.org or Nancy.aleman@carepointhealth.org.

The event will be held at Christ Hospital, 176 Palisade Ave., Jersey City.

Correction from previous Secaucus Reporter edition

The previous Secaucus Reporter reported that Councilman Robert Costantino did not appear at his previously scheduled Nov. 9 court date in Kearny Municipal Court, stemming from charges connected to a vehicle incident in September. However, Mr. Costantino made an appearance that day. We apologize for the error.